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Student exploring his surroundings while studying abroad.
Study Abroad

Health and Safety

Pace Education Abroad prioritizes the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Studying and traveling abroad requires many of the same health and safety precautions that one would take in the U.S.A. However, participants need to be aware of additional risks that may be unique to traveling abroad and living in a particular country or region.

Pace Education Abroad monitors international security and maintains regular communication with in-country faculty leaders, partner institutions, and program providers. In the event of an emergency, Pace will work swiftly to identify the location of program participants and immediately initiate communication with the necessary parties, taking action as the situation warrants.

  • All Pace students going abroad — whether on a faculty-led program, a short program, or a semester program — are required to attend a pre-departure orientation held at Pace. The orientation is conducted by staff from Pace Education Abroad and Safety. It stresses health and safety abroad, as well as cultural adjustment, insurance coverage, student identity, and other topics. (It also covers Pace academic policies and procedures such as enrollment and credits.) Our partner programs abroad will also offer an on-site orientation for students.

  • Pace Safe App

    Download the free PACE SAFE app. There's a feature on the app that's dedicated to travel abroad, where you can:

    • ​find the protocol for contacting »¨¼¾´«Ã½ should you have an incident to report and need help
    • obtain travel tips and info on traveler's health
    • get alerts and travel advisories (including weather advisories)
    • enroll in the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveller Program
    • access Mobile Passport (for easy re-entry back to the USA)

    How to find it:

    • download the free "PACE SAFE" app
    • ​sign in
    • from the main menu, go to "Safety Toolbox", then chose "Travel Safe"
    • access the features!
    • First contact the on-site Resident Director, other in-country program staff, or Pace Faculty (for Faculty-Led Programs abroad). These people are all in-country and will be best able to assist you at the moment of need.
    • Call Pace Security (staffed 24/7) and you will be re-routed to Education Abroad or other »¨¼¾´«Ã½ staff: +1 (212) 346-1800.
    • In case of a medical emergency abroad, students should call the insurance provider, AXA 24/7 Travel Assistance Services (+1 (855) 327-1425), before seeking medical assistance because AXA will help them locate a qualified health care provider, make appointments, and pay for services abroad — making it a cashless process for students (rather than seeking reimbursement after the fact). Here is a full description of the International Travel Insurance policy (PDF) and a quick snapshot of the benefits (PDF). Read more about the insurance coverage.
    • Contact the in the country you're visiting. The Consulate can help you replace a missing passport, provide information about available medical services, and help if you are accused of a crime.

  • Cultural and social attitudes toward sex, sexual harassment, and sexual assault vary greatly in different countries. However, respecting and adapting to cultural differences while studying and traveling abroad does not mean that you need to submit to behaviors that invade your personal boundaries or make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Educating yourself about sexual harassment, violence, and gender dynamics abroad can empower you to make safer choices. Read more about